How over-50s are upsizing their lifestyle with low-maintenance living

5 days ago 14

In recent times, there’s been a demographic shift towards downsizing among Australians aged 50 and over.

By 2050, ABS projections indicate that over one-third of Australians will be aged 55 or older, and these demographic changes will have profound effects across the housing markets.

Many Aussies want to reduce the burden of maintaining a large property, while unlocking the equity from their family home to fund travel, hobbies or retirement plans.

At the same time, they’re seeking vibrant communities that offer connection, security, and lifestyle amenities.

Stockland Halcyon ticks all these boxes.

“Communities like Stockland Halcyon make this lifestyle even more appealing with resort-quality amenities, strong social connections, and sustainable designs,” says Stockland Halcyon Communities sales manager Melissa Baillie.

This creates an attractive option for those seeking financial clarity and an active, low-maintenance lifestyle.

“Rising living costs and a desire for financial transparency also make models like land-lease living attractive, as they combine affordability with a premium lifestyle,” Ms Baillie adds.

Stockland Halcyon offers communities for active, lifestyle-minded downsizers.

A new way of living

Halcyon pioneered the land lease model in Queensland in 2004, when the founders launched Halcyon Parks in Caloundra.

Since then, land lease communities have surged in popularity.

In 2021, Halcyon joined Stockland, and Stockland Halcyon has now expanded to 39 communities, with over 4,480 sites in development across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.

Today, more than 5,000 people call a Stockland Halcyon community home, and this number is growing.

In Queensland, the communities are designed for those aged 50-plus, while in Victoria and Western Australia, they cater towards those aged 55-plus, and in New South Wales they’re suitable for homeowners aged 60-plus.

With communities across Australia, Stockland Halcyon are a leader in land lease communities.

Everyday lifestyle benefits

With resort-quality facilities and a dedicated community maintenance team, Stockland Halcyon homeowners have ample opportunity to upsize their lifestyle.

Amenity highlights include heated magnesium salt pools, spas, clubhouses, games rooms, lawn bowls, private gym facilities and more.

Shelley Casserly, 76, and her husband Brian, 77, were attracted to the security and lifestyle perks of Stockland Halcyon’s communities.

They decided to take the plunge and downsize from their family home of 30 years into Halcyon Rise, Logan Reserve 3.5 years ago.

The couple bought a two-bedroom house with a study and never looked back.

They love having access to a broad range of amenities and interest groups, including a library, cinema, bowling green, pickleball courts, card making, crochet and heaps more.

Community and connection are at the heart of living in a Stockland Halcyon home.

“We like the Stockland Halcyon model, the style of homes and the way they set up the community,” says Ms Casserly.

“The facilities are really good and there’s quite a lot of attention to detail, which I really appreciate.

We’ve met up with some really nice people who have similar interests to ourselves, and it’s been really positive.”

Next year, the couple is moving on to Halcyon Providence in White Rock, so that they can be closer to their granddaughter and great-grandchildren.

“It’s a really good way to live your retirement,” says Ms Casserly.

“It’s gated, and there’s that degree of security living in a community where you know it’s harder for people to access.

For people who are on their own, it’s really good because you’re never going to be lonely and you can be as involved as you want to be.”

Living in a land lease community offers homeowners access to world-class, resort-style amenities.

Land lease unlocks financial benefits

Under the land lease model, homeowners own the property and lease the land on which it sits, via a site agreement.

Homeowners pay a site fee, which includes access to all of the community’s amenities and facilities.

Buyers don’t pay stamp duty or deferred management fees, and if they decide to sell for whatever reason, they retain their capital gains.

Ms Baillie says the land lease model suits over-60s who want to live an active lifestyle and belong to a vibrant, connected community.

“Whatever your lifestyle, whether you love social activities, keeping fit, travelling or just want to be surrounded by like-minded people, Stockland Halcyon has designed communities to help over 60s flourish,” she says.

“Homeowners’ families love visiting and there are plenty of facilities to keep busy, without needing to maintain a larger property, leaving more time for the things that matter most.”

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